Survey reveals tree care is key

A report comparing the tree canopy cover in a Devonshire council with a survey from ten years ago has been published.

In 2010, Torbay Council carried out an analysis of its tree population, using specialist tree valuation software, i-Tree. The study was able to apply monetary values to the ecosystem services the trees provided, for example, how much carbon the trees were storing and the percentage canopy cover. Over a decade later, the council re-ran the survey to monitor changes in its urban forest.

The 2022 project was carried out by a partnership between Treeconomics, Torbay Council owned company SWISCo, tree specialists RSK Hi-Line, Forest Research and Wild Planet Trust. Fieldwork was completed by teams of volunteer tree wardens from across the region, and Hi-Line representatives. The resulting data was analysed using ‘i-Tree’, a software suite developed by the US Forest Service and used around the world, to assess the structural value and environmental benefits of urban trees.

The report revealed that the number of trees in Torbay has reduced quite significantly - 692,000 trees were recorded in 2010, but only 458,800 in 2021. There has also been a reduction in tree density per hectare from 109 trees to 71 trees. And yet, canopy cover has actually increased significantly from 11.8% in 2010 to 18.2% in 2021. Even though the number of trees has decreased, tree canopy cover has gone up by 6.4% and the amount of carbon stored has similarly risen.

The loss of trees is partly explained by natural thinning of trees in woodland areas and also to felling on development sites. Thankfully the increase in canopy cover is principally due to the existing trees being well maintained and receiving good care.

Kenton Rogers of Treeconomics, explains: “This highlights the importance of maintaining existing trees. The ongoing management of established trees has helped them thrive in Torbay.”

In summary, even though there are fewer trees in Torbay now, those that remain have been able to increase the area’s canopy cover significantly, helping the area to work towards its goal of 20%. It is doubtful whether this 6.4% increase would have been possible, had the council relied entirely on new tree planting. Tree planting is essential in any urban area, but a better approach to achieving an increase in canopy cover is one where resources and investment are made not only in tree planting but also in better management of trees already present.

Leader of Torbay Council, Steve Darling, comments: “The report recognises that it is really important to look after existing, established trees and this is something we will be working on with SWISCo, our contractors Hi-Line, and our tree warden volunteers.”

• Treeconomics is a social enterprise which works internationally with community groups, research organisations, public bodies, municipalities and private business, to complete projects which highlight the value of trees.